Commonwealth suspends Pak indefinitely

12 November 1999The Hindustan Times

The Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) on Friday decided to keep Pakistan indefinitely suspended from its councils in the wake of the military take over in Pakistan. The decision to this effect was taken essentially keeping in view the serious concerns expressed by India and several other countries of the 54-member grouping that nothing should be done to impart legitimacy to the rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf, a senior Indian official said.

The CHOGM did not accept the recommendation of Common-wealth Ministerial Action Group led by Canada that Pakistan should be given two years for return of democracy. Pakistan will continue to remain suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth.